SNAP Ohio, the food stamp program is administered by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS).
As of 2024, around 1.3 million Ohio residents were enrolled in SNAP, representing over 10% of the state’s population.
To be eligible for food stamps in Ohio, your household income must be below 130% of the federal poverty line. For a family of 3, this equals an annual income of around $32,318.
Benefit amounts in Ohio depend on your household size and monthly income. The average SNAP recipient in Ohio receives about $245 per month in benefits.
You can apply for food stamp benefits in Ohio either online through the state’s website, by submitting a printed application to your county ODJFS office, or by going into the local office.
Every 6 months SNAP recipients have to complete a recertification process to continue receiving benefits. This involves reporting any income or household changes.
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Food Stamp Eligibility Calculator Ohio
Eligibility calculator that you can use to estimate if you may qualify for food stamps (SNAP benefits) in the state of Ohio.
Ohio Food Assistance Benefit Calculator:
https://benefits.ohio.gov/screening/SNAP
To use this calculator:
- Select the county you reside in
- Enter details about your household – number of people, monthly income, monthly expenses like rent and utilities
- Check any special conditions like if anyone in your household is elderly or disabled
- The calculator will use this information to estimate the amount of SNAP benefits you may be eligible to receive per month.
This eligibility calculator will take into account things like the federal poverty guidelines, income thresholds in Ohio, special deductions, as well as household size and assets.
Also Check : – Texas SNAP Calculator – Illinois SNAP Eligibility Calculator
How Much Food Stamps Will I Get Calculator Ohio
Here are the steps to use the online calculator to estimate your potential food stamp (SNAP) benefit amount in Ohio:
- Go to the Ohio Food Assistance Benefit Calculator: https://benefits.ohio.gov/screening/SNAP
- Enter your county of residence in Ohio
- Select if you are applying for yourself or multiple people in your household
- Enter total gross monthly income (income before taxes and deductions)
- Check any deductions that apply to your household like housing expenses, utility bills, medical expenses for elderly/disabled members
- Indicate if anyone in your household meets special categories like pregnant, veteran status, receiving government assistance programs
- Click “Submit”
The results page will then estimate your household’s potential SNAP benefit amount per month if approved, which is issued through the Ohio Direction Card (similar to a debit card).
Gross Income Limits SNAP Ohio
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income Limit | Annual Gross Income Limit |
| 1 Person | $1473 | $18,954 |
| 2 People | $1984 | $25,636 |
| 3 People | $2496 | $32,318 |
| 4 People | $3007 | $39,000 |
| 5 People | $3518 | $45,682 |
| 6 People | $4030 | $52,364 |
| 7 People | $4541 | $59,046 |
| 8 People | $5052 | $65,728 |
So for example, if you have a household of 3 people, your total gross monthly income (income before any deductions) would need to be below $2,496 to potentially qualify for SNAP in Ohio.
These income thresholds are based on 130% of the federal poverty guidelines. Gross income includes all money earned before taxes or expenses are taken out including from employment, Social Security, unemployment, pensions etc.
The SNAP application will also deduct certain expenses which can allow households who are over these gross monthly income levels to still potentially qualify. Expenses like high housing, utilities, medical bills for elderly/disabled are deducted.
So it’s possible to be approved for a certain amount of food stamps in Ohio even if your gross income exceeds the limits. You can use the online estimator to see an estimate.
Net Income Limits For SNAP Eligibility Ohio
Unlike the gross income limits, there are no explicit net income limits published for SNAP (food stamp) eligibility in Ohio.
This is because net income – meaning income after allowable deductions – is specifically considered when determining SNAP benefits.
While the gross income limits provide thresholds (listed below), things like housing costs, utilities, medical expenses, etc. can be deducted to get to a net income amount.
Gross Monthly Income Limits by Household:
| Household Size | Monthly Net Income Limit | Annual Net Income Limit |
| 1 Person | $1,807 | $21,684 |
| 2 People | $2,433 | $29,196 |
| 3 People | $3,059 | $36,708 |
| 4 People | $3,685 | $44,220 |
| 5 People | $4,312 | $51,732 |
| 6 People | $4,938 | $59,244 |
| 7 People | $5,564 | $66,756 |
| 8 People | $6,190 | $74,268 |
For example, if a 3 person household had a gross income of $3,059, that exceeds the $2,379 threshold. However, $600 in rent and $100 in utilities brings their net income down to $1,800 making them now potentially eligible.
The online SNAP calculator for Ohio accounts for common deductions to give an estimated net income and eligibility. But the full application has space to claim additional deductions as well to lower your net income.
Read More : – California Food Stamps Eligibility Calculator
Maximum Benefit Amounts SNAP Ohio
Here are the maximum monthly benefit amounts that households can receive through SNAP (food stamps) in Ohio as of 2024:
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly SNAP Benefit |
| 1 person | $291 / month |
| 2 people | $535 / month |
| 3 people | $766 / month |
| 4 people | $973 / month |
| 5 people | $1,155 / month |
| 6 people | $1,386 / month |
| 7 people | $1,532 / month |
| Each additional person | +$429 / month |
For each additional person after 8, add $429 to the maximum allotment.
A household size of 4 people could potentially qualify for up to $973 per month in food assistance benefits in Ohio if they meet all eligibility requirements.
Do keep in mind that the actual benefit amount depends on the household’s income, expenses, assets and other factors. Most recipients do not receive the full maximum. But these figures give an idea of ceilings per different household compositions.
Ohio issues SNAP benefits through the Ohio Direction Card which works similar to a debit card that can be used at eligible food retailers.
Food Stamps Ohio Phone Number
You can also call the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services at 614-466-6282 to speak with a representative regarding the program. Additionally, you can call 1-844-640-OHIO (6446) to apply for SNAP over the phone
To apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Ohio, you can contact your local SNAP administering agency. You can find the contact information for your local agency on the Ohio Office of Family Assistance website.
What Can I Buy With Snap in Ohio
In Ohio, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) allows recipients to purchase a variety of food items, including:
- Most food and beverage items, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, breads, cereals, grains, dairy products
- Seeds and plants that grow food for the household to eat
- Packaged meals that require additional cooking at home or heating
- Ice, bottled water
Cannot Buy:
- Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes or tobacco
- Vitamins, supplements, medicines
- Live animals (except shellfish, fish removed from water)
- Prepared Foods fit for immediate consumption (hot deli items, restaurant meals)
- Non Food items like pet food, cleaning supplies, hygiene products or cosmetics
Food Stamps in Hamilton County
Here are some key details about accessing SNAP (food stamp) benefits specifically for Hamilton County, Ohio residents:
How to Apply:
- Online: Benefits.Ohio.gov
- In-Person: 222 E Central Pkwy Cincinnati, OH 45202
- Phone: (513) 946-1000
Documents Needed:
- ID
- Proof of Income
- Utility and Housing Bills
- Bank Statements
Using Benefits:
- Ohio Direction Card works as debit card at grocery retailers
- Eligible food: fruits, vegetables, bread, dairy, meats
- Ineligible items: hot food, alcohol, tobacco, pet food
Recertification:
- Required every 6 months to confirm eligibility
Income Guidelines for Medicaid in Ohio
Ohio Medicaid Groups – Monthly Income Limits
- Aged, Blind or Disabled:
- Individual – $943
- Families and Children:
- Family of 2 – $1,482
- Family of 3 – $1,823
- Family of 4 – $2,164
- Pregnant Women
- Income at or below 200% of federal poverty level
Medicaid Expansion Group Limits (Ohio Adult Medicaid)
- Individual – $1,563
- Family of 2 – $2,106
- For each additional person, add $544
A family of 3 could qualify for Medicaid with a monthly income up to $1,823. For childless non-disabled adults it is $1,563/month for individuals.
These income limits can sometimes be higher based on things like medical expenses. Children qualify at higher incomes as well. To receive full Medicaid benefits in Ohio the income guidelines detailed here must be met.